The new Sonore opticalModule Deluxe

[R1200CL]

New upgraded (and expensive) FMC

 

http://sonore.us/opticalModule-Deluxe.html

https://forums.sonicorbiter.com/forum/support-for-sonore-products/announcements/559-introducing-the-sonore-opticalmodule-deluxe

 

Somehow it’s at this time not clear exactly what speeds supported. I expect Sonore will update their website. But quite sure it’s the support of 100Mbps is the news. 
 

• Supports both 100 speed and 1000 speed network devices
• For 1000 speed capable networks only

 

I would like to see SFP+ supported. Maybe next year 😀

 

[R1200CL]

On 2/16/2021 at 12:20 PM, sot13 said:

 @jaaptina Hi! I am using a setup like yours... Can you please tell me what is the length of the ethernet cable you use to connect the OM with your streamer? I got OM Deluxe a few days ago and in my case I cannot use anything shorter than 31 inches, because then music stutters and in the worst case my streamer does not even get an IP address. Previously, when I was using TP-Link for the job, I had no problem with very short cables (2.5 inches). I try to understand whether this is a design issue of the OM Deluxe, or my unit is faulty. Thank you  

Have you tried different Ethernet cables between the OM and your streamer ?

Normally you should have a minimum of one meter cable. This isn’t a problem for any of John’s design and you can use shorter cables. However your streamer may like a one meter option. 

 

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[R1200CL]

On 10/26/2020 at 5:59 AM, Superdad said:

No, the reasons for the creation of the opticalModule Deluxe where:

a) Having the copper port able to negotiate down to 100Mps (the smaller original was Gigabit-only) allows people to us the oM Deluxe as an FMC facing to those streamer/renderer endpoints which are only 100Mbps. There are many of that sort.

Alex or @JohnSwenson

There is a “new” important reason to purchase this oM. 
 

If you’re using the EtherRegen in reverse ( normally to feed the opticalRendu. Can’t think of any other HW at the moment), you’re actually more or less guaranteed to break the “moat” of the EtherRegen, and hence an opticalModule powered by an LPS 1/1.2 is the only solution. This is even more problematic if an external clock is added to the EtherRegen. But that discussion add other issues, so we can continue those in the clock or isolation treads. 

This also raises the question if power side of the oMDL is on the copper side or optical side, but maybe there isn’t a moat on the oMDL, so it’s not a relevant question?

Meaning to get full benefit of a isolation done by copper side of the oMDL you must use the special Uptone ultraCaps power supply. 

 

Please confirm I’m correct. (No need to comment on the rest of the sketch in this tread). 
 

 

[R1200CL]

@agillis or @vortecjr According to @AfterDark., It has being confirmed that the EtherRegen works with 10 GB SFP+ modules. The specific module that has been tested by him is the Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL. 
This is a pure 10GB transceiver only. No support for 1GB. 
 

As he is now selling these items in pairs to members here at AS, and I would also assume several of them has an opticalModule in the other end, (Like I will have later today), can you guys confirm this will work with the opticalModule as well, so there won’t be any surprises. 

(I’m claiming with great certainty that a 10 GB only SFP+ can’t auto negotiate with a 1GB SFP cage, and hence this won’t work). But maybe @JohnSwenson secretly has added 10 GB support in both the EtherRegen and both the versions of the opticalModule without anyone knowing this was feasible. Then I suggest Uptone as well as Sonore and SGC updates the data about their optical products. 

@Superdad You may comment on this as well. 

 

(I’m getting an error when trying to upload the data sheet, or even pictures).   

[R1200CL]

29 minutes ago, Superdad said:

As long as the switch at the other end is also a 1GB SFP port then two SFP+ modules will work fine.

Exactly my point last 24 hours. 
Thanks for confirming. 
 

Only SFP+ modules that also supports 1GB will work. Simple as that.
The data sheets for SPF+ modules specifies supported data rates.

 

I’ve suggested some possible nice ones in AfterDark’s tread.

 

Still testing is a good idea.

There is always one guy out there that will find a product combination that won’t work  😀

 

29 minutes ago, Superdad said:

It is all up to the Ethernet PHY/processor in the equipment itself.

And doesn’t the EtherRegen and opticalModule share this ?

 

Alex, your are normally very precise when technical issues is discussed.

If that PHY really supports 10 GB transfer rate by SFP+, just say so. It’s simple as that 😀

It seems the Buffalo switch may support 10GB, but not official, so it may be a possible hidden feature of EtherRegen PHY even the designer didn’t knew about until recently.

Looking forward to John’s post. 

[R1200CL]

16 minutes ago, Superdad said:

No, not simple as that!  SFP/SFP+ optical transceivers do not have clocks, do not negotiate data rates, do care about data rates or even protocols.  SFP+ optical transceivers are capable of 10Gbe--or 6.789467xx or whatever--it is all set by the driving circuitry in the gear at each end. So ALL SFP+ transceivers can also run at 1Gbe.

 

 

16 minutes ago, Superdad said:

No, they specify maximum rates supported.  As mentioned, one could design a circuit to plug an SFP transceiver into and transfer any sort of LVDS date at any unique and bizarre rate--as long as you are doing the same at both ends.

Thanks. This indicates that a (two) 10GB specified SFP+ module actually will or can work in a SFP port. No matter what articles on the net says. 

So @AfterDark. plan of making a compatibility list is probably the only way to go. 
 

Looking forward to John’s post.

 

 

 

[R1200CL]

....aha. Then the Mikrotik with EtherRegen combination won’t work. Great.  But the old Cisco 2960 will. 

[R1200CL]

2 hours ago, vortecjr said:

That said...we do like Finisar transceivers and have been working to provide a 1.25Gb/s one for sale on our website that is Sonore systemOptique certified. Special thanks to an AS member who has been providing information/feedback behind the scenes. Anyway, more information to follow...     

 

I can ensure you that the 1GB Finisar FTLF1421P1BCL SFP module works very nice into my opticalRendu. 
Using yellow singel mode fiber from EtherRegen for the last 6 months. 
 

Since cost is equal, the 10GB FTLX1475D3BTL SFP+ may very will be an excellent choice.

 

2 hours ago, vortecjr said:

I have no idea why anyone would want to do this. 

 

Simply because of better SQ. It’s believed (is the correct word), that complying with the 10GB standards and above (even SFP28) will ensure lower jitter and phase noise distribution.

 

2 hours ago, vortecjr said:

We have not tested them, do not plan to test them, they may create problems with your Sonore gear, and we reserve the right to limit your warranty accordingly. 

I’m sure John can assist regarding power draw, that should be the only real concern 😀

Many people experiencing SM better than MM.

 

I hope we one day will get an updated opticalRendu with external clock interface and official 10GB support.

Better clocks because of better phase noise has been proven to provide better SQ. 
 

 

[R1200CL]

I’m having an issue with my new opticalModule Deluxe. 
What color should the power led display ?

No info on Sonore website. 

[R1200CL]

On 5/19/2021 at 7:32 AM, Steffenegede said:

Hi, I'm currently using a sfp switch to a oM, and I've been thinking about upgrading a bit. My roon server is an old lenovo laptop with a cheapo linear psu. What would give me the biggest bang for the money... A better server (maybe a nuc) or adding another oM upstreams? Basically my question is - how much does the devices and psu's upstreams an optical bridge matter? Best regards Steffen 

I don’t think either suggestion will rise SQ. Not knowing your full system. 
An EtherRegen after the oM may be something to consider. 
 

 

[R1200CL]

6 hours ago, Mercman said:

The OpticalModule Deluxe feeds a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical that drives a Playback Designs MPD-8.

If you have the money available, you can try and replace the oM or add a 50 ohm EtherRegen into the chain while it’s still available, and then add the AfterDark clock you can afford. I can’t guarantee better sq. (Not sure if 50 ohm version is available). 
 

Both products ought to be very easy to sell again if you don’t hear any difference, and also the EtherRegen comes with a 30 day money back that to my knowledge only one person has ever used. Out of soon 2000 sold. 

[R1200CL]

19 hours ago, zoltan said:

I possibly use my JS-2 to power the ER.

What else will it power ? Only your EtherRegen ?

[R1200CL]

On 11/5/2021 at 2:05 PM, ArcticSapien said:

Option 1 = Switch with optical > direct to OpticalRendu > DAC

Option 2 = Switch with cable > FMC > OpticalRendu > DAC

Option 3 = Switch with cable > OpticalModule > OpticalRendu > DAC

You forgot option 4: Switch with fiber ($99 Mikrotik) > opticalModule > EtherRegen in B>A > fiber to > opticalRendu

 

Or use the switch as FMC, hence suggesting Mikrotik, and leave out opticalModule. 
 

Main point being using the EtherRegen as last interface to your opticalRendu. 
 

@JohnSwenson

Since the clock in EtherRegen is located on B side, and there is a minor increase  in phase noise crossing the moat going from B to A, can one assume the opticalModule deLux may have better phase noise numbers out on the SFP side, compared to the EtherRegen ?

 

Could actually EtherRegen A>B + opticalModule > opticalRendu be the way to go ?

 

 

 

 

[R1200CL]

1 hour ago, ArcticSapien said:

Is there a trade-off between more moats vs. more devices creating new interference? 

I don’t think so. There is said a chain of dual good switches (meaning EtherRegen and/or the opticalModule) have a good effect in some systems. Adding an external clock even better. (At least in a A >B configuration).

This has to be done in a way that power supplies and ethernet cables doesn’t create loops and bypass the moat created by EtherRegen. 
 

Remember the EtherRegen was developed towards RJ45 interfaces from it's B side. But it’s been said using it in a B to A may be equally good. Well the “moat” is the same to my understanding, but there is for sure a minor reduction in phase noise since the clock signal also have to cross the isolation (the moat). It would be nice if Uptone could enlighten us with numbers if ever measured. 
 

Assuming you now have an opticalRendu, and lack a FMC, the Mikrotik’s may be a good option to the opticalModule, as this is a 10GB switch and we expect due to the requirements of 10GB, (eye pattern), it ought to perform very well. (I have one, actually 2, myself). 

Howerver it’s a mystery to me how “those bad clocks” in 10GB can deliver better (or equal) quality than what the clocks used in Johns design. Some has asked for an eye pattern test of the EtherRegen. The white paper has promised some measurements, but so far we haven’t seen any. 
 

Since you also mentioned the SE version as an option, there is a small project ongoing testing the opticalRendu with external clock done by sine wave and the circuitry EtherRegen lacks to turn sine to square 😀

 

[R1200CL]

@agillis or @vortecjr or @JohnSwenson

 

Please tell us about what’s new with the V2 opticalModule released today. 

[R1200CL]

1 hour ago, muski said:

Do you think I could I set the LPS to 5v?

Sonore says 

• Power input: 5-9 VDC